Kamal Khera is a prominent Canadian politician, a registered nurse, and a dedicated public servant who has made significant contributions to Canadian politics and society. Born on February 4, 1989, in Delhi, India, Kamal Khera immigrated to Canada with her family at a young age. She has since risen to prominence as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Brampton West, Ontario, and has held key ministerial roles in the Canadian government. Known for her commitment to healthcare, diversity, inclusion, and seniors' welfare, Khera has become a notable figure in the Liberal Party of Canada.
Kamalpreet Khera was born in Delhi, India, into a family that valued education and community service. Her family immigrated to Canada when she was young, settling in Brampton, Ontario, a city known for its vibrant multicultural community. Growing up in Brampton, Khera was exposed to the challenges and opportunities faced by immigrant families, which later shaped her political priorities.
From an early age, Khera exhibited a passion for helping others, a trait that would guide her career choices. Her parents, Harminder Singh and Gursharan Kaur, instilled in her the importance of hard work, compassion, and community involvement. These values became the foundation of her personal and professional life.
Education and Early Career
Khera pursued her higher education at York University in Toronto, where she earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her academic journey was marked by a dedication to healthcare, a field she saw as a way to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. After completing her degree, Khera became a registered nurse, specializing in palliative care and oncology.
She worked at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto, where she cared for patients with terminal illnesses and cancer. This experience deepened her understanding of the healthcare system and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Khera volunteered at a long-term care facility in Brampton, demonstrating her commitment to frontline healthcare. She also played a key role in administering vaccines in her community, further showcasing her dedication to public health.
Entry into Politics
Kamal Khera’s transition from healthcare to politics was driven by her desire to address systemic issues on a larger scale. In December 2014, she was nominated as the Liberal Party candidate for Brampton West, a riding with a significant immigrant population. Mentored by Raj Jhajj, a longtime Liberal organizer and social activist, Khera entered the political arena with a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to her community.
In the 2015 federal election, Khera won the Brampton West seat, defeating her opponent with 58% of the vote. At the age of 26, she became the youngest Liberal MP in the House of Commons and the second-youngest overall, behind NDP MP Pierre-Luc Dusseault. Her victory marked the beginning of a remarkable political career focused on healthcare, diversity, and social equity.
Political Career and Achievements
Early Roles in Parliament
After her election, Khera quickly rose through the ranks of the Liberal Party. On December 2, 2015, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed her as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, a role that aligned with her background as a nurse. She later served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue (January 18, 2017) and the Minister of International Development (August 31, 2018). These positions allowed her to influence policies related to healthcare, taxation, and global development.
In January 2021, Khera stepped down from her role as Parliamentary Secretary after facing criticism for traveling to the United States to attend a memorial service for her uncle during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this setback, she remained committed to her constituents and continued to serve as MP for Brampton West.
Minister of Seniors (2021–2023)
Khera was re-elected in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections, solidifying her position as a trusted representative for Brampton West. On October 26, 2021, she was appointed Minister of Seniors, becoming one of the youngest members of Trudeau’s cabinet and the Privy Council of Canada. Her tenure as Minister of Seniors was marked by significant policy achievements aimed at improving the quality of life for Canada’s aging population.
Key accomplishments during her time as Minister of Seniors include:
- Restoration of Retirement Age Eligibility: Khera oversaw the government’s decision to restore the eligibility age for retirement benefits to 65, reversing a previous increase to 67.
- Increase in Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): She championed an increase in the GIS, which benefited over 900,000 seniors and lifted 45,000 out of poverty.
- Enhancement of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP): Khera supported reforms to strengthen the CPP, ensuring long-term financial security for retirees.
- Old Age Security (OAS) Increase: She advocated for a 10% increase in OAS pensions for seniors over 75, providing additional support to this demographic.
Her work as Minister of Seniors reflected her deep understanding of the challenges faced by older Canadians, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed gaps in long-term care systems.
Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities (2023–Present)
On July 26, 2023, following a cabinet shuffle, Khera was appointed Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities. This role expanded her portfolio to address issues of equity, accessibility, and social justice across Canada. As of March 16, 2025, Khera continues to serve in this capacity, driving initiatives to promote inclusivity and support marginalized communities.
Notable achievements in this role include:
- Launch of the Anti-Racism Strategy (June 8, 2024): Khera announced a $110.4 million investment in Canada’s new Anti-Racism Strategy, aimed at addressing systemic racism in employment, justice, housing, healthcare, and immigration systems.
- Canadian Disability Benefit (2024): She introduced the Canadian Disability Benefit in the 2024 federal budget, a $6.1 billion initiative designed to improve the financial well-being of over 600,000 low-income persons with disabilities.
These initiatives highlight Khera’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society, drawing on her experiences as an immigrant and healthcare professional.
Personal Life and Values
Kamal Khera is known for her humility, accessibility, and dedication to public service. Despite her rapid rise in politics, she remains deeply connected to her roots in Brampton and her Indian heritage. She has spoken about the contrasts between politics in Canada and India, emphasizing the opportunities for young leaders and the transparency of the Canadian system.
Khera is reportedly married to Mani Khera, a mortgage agent and the sole proprietor of Akal Mortgages. While she maintains a private personal life, her husband’s support has been a pillar of strength throughout her career. Khera’s family, including her parents and elder brother Gurminder Singh, continue to play an important role in her life.
Legacy and Impact
As of 2025, Kamal Khera’s legacy is defined by her trailblazing achievements as a young, female, immigrant politician in Canada. Her work in healthcare, seniors’ welfare, diversity, and inclusion has left a lasting impact on Canadian policy and society. She has broken barriers as one of the youngest women elected to Parliament and has used her platform to advocate for underrepresented communities.
Khera’s journey from a registered nurse to a cabinet minister reflects her unwavering commitment to public service. Her ability to navigate challenges, such as the 2021 travel controversy, demonstrates her resilience and dedication to her constituents. As she continues to serve as Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities, Khera remains a key figure in shaping Canada’s future.
Top FAQs About Kamal Khera
1. Who is Kamal Khera?
Kamal Khera is a Canadian politician and Member of Parliament for Brampton West, Ontario. She is a member of the Liberal Party and has served as Minister of Seniors (2021–2023) and Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities (2023–present).
2. What is Kamal Khera’s background?
Khera was born on February 4, 1989, in Delhi, India, and immigrated to Canada as a child. She earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing from York University and worked as a registered nurse before entering politics.
3. When was Kamal Khera first elected?
Khera was first elected as MP for Brampton West in the 2015 federal election at the age of 26, making her the youngest Liberal MP in the House of Commons at the time.
4. What roles has Kamal Khera held in the Canadian government?
Khera has served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, National Revenue, and International Development. She was later appointed Minister of Seniors (2021–2023) and Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities (2023–present).
5. What are some of Kamal Khera’s key achievements?
Her achievements include increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors, launching the Anti-Racism Strategy, and introducing the Canadian Disability Benefit to support persons with disabilities.
6. Is Kamal Khera married?
Khera is reportedly married to Mani Khera, a mortgage agent. However, she keeps her personal life private, and limited information is available about her family.
7. What is Kamal Khera’s current role as of March 2025?
As of March 16, 2025, Khera serves as the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities in the Canadian government.
8. How has Kamal Khera contributed to healthcare?
Before entering politics, Khera worked as a registered nurse in palliative care and oncology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she volunteered in long-term care facilities and helped administer vaccines in Brampton.
9. What controversies has Kamal Khera faced?
In December 2020, Khera faced criticism for traveling to the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic to attend a memorial service. She stepped down as Parliamentary Secretary as a result but continued to serve as MP.
10. How can I contact Kamal Khera?
Khera can be contacted through her parliamentary office in Ottawa or her constituency office in Brampton. Her official email is kamal.khera@parl.gc.ca, and her office phone number is 613-992-0778.
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